BG’s Bailey, Barren’s Spillman earn KFCA Player of the Year honors

Published 5:49 pm Thursday, November 7, 2024

By the Daily News

Bowling Green quarterback Deuce Bailey and Barren County quarterback Tate Spillman were named as players of the year in their respective districts by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association on Thursday.

Bailey, a senior, was named the Class 5A, District 2 Player of the Year. Bailey, a Missouri State commit, has completed 144 of 218 passes for 2,305 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. He has also run for 243 yards and a pair of TDs for Bowling Green (8-2), which hosts Madisonville-North Hopkins in a Class 5A state playoff first-round game Friday.

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Spillman, also a senior, was named the Class 6A, District 2 Player of the Year. Spillman is 45 of 96 passing for 799 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and also ranks second for the Trojans in rushing with 565 yards and 12 TDs and has scored seven two-point conversions. On defense, Spillman is a full-time starter at safety and ranks third on the team with 77 tackles and has a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Barren County (8-2) is on the road Friday to face Henderson County in a Class 6A state playoff first-round game.

South Warren’s Brandon Smith was named the Class 5A, District 2 Coach of the Year. Smith led the Spartans to a 9-1 overall record and a 3-0 mark in district play. South Warren hosts Apollo in a Class 5A state playoff first-round game Friday.

Allen County-Scottsville’s Brad Hood was named the Class 4A, District 2 Coach of the Year. Hood guided the Patriots to an 8-2 overall record and a 4-1 mark in district play. ACS hosts Nelson County in a Class 4A state playoff first-round game Friday.

Franklin-Simpson’s Max Chaney was named the Class 3A, District 2 Coach of the Year. Chaney led the Wildcats to a 5-5 overall record and a 2-2 mark in district play. Franklin-Simpson is on the road to face Hancock County in a Class 3A state playoff first-round game Friday.

Russellville’s Mikie Benton was named the Class A, District 1 Coach of the Year. Benton led the Panthers to a 5-5 overall mark and a 3-0 district record during the regular season. Russellville hosts Bethlehem in a Class A state playoff first-round game Friday.

About Jeff Nations

Sports Editor, Bowling Green Daily News

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